Participating in the Healing Ministry of Jesus

Summary of Chapter 1: Participating in the Healing Ministry of Jesus

Overview

In Participating in the Healing Ministry of Jesus, Stephen A. Seamands emphasizes that healing was an essential part of Jesus' earthly ministry, alongside teaching and preaching. Seamands underscores that healing did not end with Jesus' ascension into heaven but continues through His body, the church. His work focuses on the biblical and theological foundations needed to support and inform modern Christian healing ministries, highlighting the importance of understanding why healing ministry exists to shape the how.

Key Themes and Concepts

Healing Ministry is Christ's Ministry Seamands stresses that Christian healing ministry is not primarily the ministry of individuals but a continuation of Jesus' healing ministry. As Luke describes in Acts 1:1, Jesus' work on earth did not conclude with His ascension; instead, it only began. Therefore, Christians are called to participate in Jesus' ongoing ministry of healing, understanding that Christ is the chief actor and healer (Acts 1:1). Christians do not perform healing independently; they join Jesus in His ministry.
Why Over How Seamands argues that before engaging in healing ministry, it is critical to start with the why rather than the how. Without a strong theological and biblical understanding of why healing ministry exists, practitioners risk falling into distortion or failure. The author points out that much confusion in healing ministry stems from neglecting the foundational reasons behind the practice.
Healing Ministry as Participation, Not Performance Healing ministry is about joining Jesus as He continues His ministry through believers. Seamands draws inspiration from Mother Teresa's reflection, where she described herself as a "little pencil in God's hands." The healer is Jesus, not us; the role of believers is to make themselves available to Christ, who acts through them (Colossians 1:27). Understanding this perspective alleviates the burden of ministry from the individual, increasing confidence and reliance on Christ rather than self.
A Threefold Pattern of Healing Ministry Seamands lays out a pattern for healing ministry based on Philippians 2:5–11, using three major movements in Christ's ministry: incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection. This pattern reflects the unfolding process of healing prayer ministry.
- Incarnation (Affirmation): Jesus, by becoming human, affirmed humanity despite its sinfulness. In healing ministry, practitioners must come alongside those they minister to with empathy, love, and acceptance (John 1:14).
- Crucifixion (Confrontation): Through the cross, Jesus confronted the reality of sin and suffering. Healing ministry similarly involves helping people confront the painful realities in their lives, such as trauma and sin (Isaiah 53:3–5).
- Resurrection (Re-Creation): Christ’s resurrection reveals God’s power to heal and create new life. Healing ministry, through the presence of the risen Christ, leads to profound breakthroughs and new beginnings (Philippians 2:9–11).
Abiding in Christ Seamands emphasizes that the foundation of Christian healing ministry is not ministry itself but abiding in Christ (John 15:1–8). Ministry flows out of a relationship with Jesus. When believers make abiding in Christ their primary calling, Jesus abides in them, and His healing ministry naturally flows through them.

Biblical References and Citations

Matthew 9:35 - Jesus went through towns teaching, preaching, and healing.
Matthew 10:1, 8 - Jesus commands His disciples to heal the sick and raise the dead.
Acts 1:1 - Luke references Jesus' ministry as something that has only just begun.
Philippians 2:5–11 - Paul outlines the three movements in Christ’s ministry: incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection.
Mark 16:7 - The angel tells the disciples that Jesus has gone ahead of them to Galilee.
Colossians 1:27 - Paul speaks of Christ living in believers as the hope of glory.
John 15:1–8 - Jesus describes the importance of abiding in Him to bear fruit.

References

Seamands, Stephen A. Participating in the Healing Ministry of Jesus. Stephen A. Seamands, 1949.
Simon Sinek. Start with Why. Sinek advocates that leaders and ministers must first understand their why before learning the how.
John Stott. Stott's insights highlight how Jesus’ ministry differs from other religious leaders, such as Muhammad or Buddha.
Leanne Payne. Payne’s book The Healing Presence emphasizes the importance of Christ’s presence in the healing process.

Conclusion

Stephen Seamands’ presents a theologically grounded, biblically rooted exploration of healing ministry, underscoring that healing is an integral part of Jesus’ ongoing ministry. Christian healing is about participating in Christ’s work through the power of the Holy Spirit, grounded in an understanding of incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection. Seamands emphasizes that abiding in Christ is central to effective healing ministry, and through partnership with Jesus, believers can bring His healing presence into the lives of others. Ultimately, healing ministry is not a burden on the individual but a divine privilege of joining in Jesus' continuing work to restore and make all things new.

Discussion Questions for Chapter 1

What does Seamands mean when he says that healing ministry is not primarily our ministry but Christ’s? How does this perspective change the way we approach healing ministry?
In what ways does understanding the continuation of Jesus's healing ministry through the Church affect our view of the Church's role in the world today? How can we practically live out this understanding in our local church communities?
Seamands emphasizes the importance of prayer in healing ministry, focusing on joining Jesus in His work. How does this approach to prayer differ from simply asking Jesus for help, and what impact might it have on our effectiveness in ministry?
The threefold pattern of Jesus's ministry—incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection—is highlighted as a model for healing ministry. How can we apply each aspect of this pattern in our own practice of healing ministry? Can you share any personal experiences where you have seen this pattern at work?
Seamands discusses the importance of abiding in Christ (John 15:1-8) as the foundation for fruitful ministry. What are some practical ways we can prioritize abiding in Christ in our daily lives, and how might this influence our participation in healing ministry?

Reflective Journaling on Healing Ministry

Spend 15-20 minutes journaling about the following questions:

What does it mean to you that healing ministry is Christ’s and not yours?
How have you seen Jesus’s healing ministry at work in your life or the lives of others?
In what ways can you better abide in Christ to participate in His ministry?

Optional: Share your reflections with a small group or mentor for further discussion.

Personal Healing Reflection

Content:

Instructions:

Recall Experiences: Spend some time recalling personal experiences where you have witnessed or been part of healing—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. This can include moments from your own life or those of family and friends.
Identify Principles: Reflect on how the principles from Chapter 1 were present in these experiences. Consider questions like:
- How did you see Christ’s ministry at work in these situations?
- How did prayer play a role in the healing process?
- Were there moments that reflected the threefold pattern of Jesus’s ministry (incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection)?
Personal Impact: Write about the impact these healing experiences have had on your faith and understanding of Jesus’s healing ministry.
Share Your Story: If you feel comfortable, share one of your personal healing stories with a small group or mentor. Discuss how recognizing these principles can shape your future approach to healing ministry.
Optional: Reflect on any new insights or commitments you feel led to make as a result of this activity.

This activity focuses on personal reflection and application, helping to internalize the principles of healing ministry through real-life experiences.